He furrowed his brow.
I reached into my pocket once more and pulled out the pocket watch Jeb gave me, fully repaired. I glanced to my right and saw my mother blotting away tears as she watched the exchange.
“What’s that?”
“Before I left New York, Jeb gave me this watch and…” My voice caught. I sucked in a deep breath, then let out a loud exhale mixed with a chuckle. “Still working on the emotional thing.”
“You and me both. Thanks for passing that gene down,” he muttered, wiping tears from his face.
Michelle giggled next to me. “Stuff it, bird,” I said with a smirk, then looked back at Nick, still holding the watch by the chain. “Jeb gave me this watch. He said it has been passed down from father to son in his family for generations. I’m so proud of you and the man you’ve become. So today, I’m passing it down to you.”
“Pops…,” he whispered, reaching out and cupping the watch. “This is… Fuck.” He wiped at his cheeks.
“Language!” Elaina yelled from behind him.
“Never a dull moment around us, yeah?” I patted Nick on the shoulder and pulled him into a hug. “I love you. Follow your heart. Lead the pack. Work to make your dreams come true.”
“Thanks,” he croaked. “I will.”
“It’s your turn.”
He smiled in understanding, then nodded and stepped away, marveling at the timepiece in his hand.
As they approached, Elaina blotted the tears on her cheeks. I shook Will’s hand, then turned to her.
“There you go, being that crying girl again.” She laughed as she wiped the tissue across her cheeks. “Elaina, I just want to thank you. Your friendship over this past year has meant the world to me.”
“It’s so nice we get along.”
“Friendship definitely suits us.” I nodded at Will. “You’ve both done well. I’ll never be able to repay you for your acceptance.”
Elaina smiled. “Our daughter is blossoming under your protection and care. That’s all the thanks I need. You gave her what we couldn’t.”
I reached out and pulled Elaina into a quick embrace, kissing her on the cheek before she and Will walked off.
“You ready, husband of mine?” Michelle asked.
I pulled her into a kiss, groaning as I pressed against her. “When does the honeymoon start?”
“Hmmm… I say right now,” she murmured. “We can be fashionably late to the reception.”
“Perfect.” Hand in hand, we walked to the waiting limo.
I was finally whole, never to be broken again.
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About Rissa Blakeley
Rissa Blakeley is the author of a fantasy paranormal series, Corvidae Guard, and a post-apocalyptic saga, Shattered Lives, which features a paranormal twist and has been adapted into graphic novel form.
As a native New Yorker, Rissa is now a Georgia transplant, who is completely addicted to black coffee, La Croix and obsessively listens to songs on repeat. Her days are full of characters screaming for more scenes, cats living up to their Harry Potter namesakes, a lazy dog, a teenage daughter bringing Emo back, and a Viking husband, who finds her puns less than funny. When Rissa isn’t writing, she can be found procrastinating on social media.
Website: http://www.rissablakeley.com/
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Bibliography
Shattered Lives
Broken Dreams (#1)
Awakened Desires (#2)
Fractured Hearts (#3)
Blind Faith (#4)
A Little Taste of Naughty (Shattered Lives Short)
Full Circle (#5)
Shattered Lives Graphic Novel
Becoming Henry: The Manuscript
Becoming Henry (Shattered Lives Issue #1) [COMING SOON]
Corvidae Guard
The King's Fate (#1)
The King’s Destiny (#2) [COMING SOON]
Also Available as an E-Book Box Set:
Broken Dreams
Awakened Desires
Fractured Hearts
A Little Taste of Naughty
Books by Rissa Blakeley
A Little Taste of Naughty (Shattered Lives short story)
A Little Taste of Naughty, a supplemental short story for Broken Dreams (Shattered Lives, Book One), was originally published in the best-selling anthology, Just Desserts.
Elaina is sassy and full of attitude.
Henry lives a life full of lies and deceit.
Somehow, the two complement one another, especially when it comes to getting naughty at a wedding reception.
A Little Taste of Naughty novella also includes chapters from:
Broken Dreams (Shattered Lives, Book One) by Rissa Blakeley
Cast in Blood (The Morgan Blackstone Vampires) by Michelle Rabe
Tempted (The Nightshade Series) by Brenda Tetreault
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Signed Paperbacks available at https://squareup.com/store/author-rissa-blakeley
Broken Dreams (Shattered Lives, Book 1)
Elaina Cooper’s world was turned upside down on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. She was about to marry Henry Daniels, the man of her dreams – or so she thought. Just as she was to walk down the aisle, screams pierced the air.
In the days that followed, questions lingered in Elaina’s mind. Why did Henry seem to know so much about what was happening? And why did she feel like he was keeping secrets from her? Henry knew that his haunted past would eventually catch up to him…in more ways than one. Through all of this, he must face his demons, and Elaina must decide whether she can accept who he is. Henry is determined to fight to the very end to make their sexy, mercurial relationship work no matter what staggers in their path.
Along with their ragtag band of survivors, they must travel south to face Henry’s fears. There will be joys and loss but, in the end, is love enough to hold them together?
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Signed Paperbacks available at https://squareup.com/store/author-rissa-blakeley
Awakened Desires (Shattered Lives, Book 2)
Gunther Erikkson had a mission to complete – one that he was more than willing to see through. After he arrived in New York to intimidate Henry Daniels into doing his job, things began to change for Gunther. One woman had started to chip away at his icy heart. With the mission complete, he headed back to his home in Atlanta, but he was left with an unfamiliar ache in his chest.
The virus spread like wildfire and, within a week, it had reached Gunther. Undeterred, he began his journey to his predetermined destination. During his travels, he came across a woman who was moments from meeting her end, but Gunther rushed in and saved Quinn Landers’ life. After a sincere promise of protection, she decided to continue her travels with him.
The pain from the virus was creeping deep into his muscles and bones. With the lack of a blood source and his own life hanging in the balance, Gunther knew he needed to confess one of his biggest secrets to Quinn. The tightened web of lies began to loosen, awakening Gunther’s desires.
After dealing and learning to
live with other survivors, bombings, and secrets, they continued to travel north. When they arrived at the destination, Henry was already waiting, thirsty for a battle.
Tragedy struck and it hit home for Gunther. Will he discover who he truly is? Do Gunther and Henry battle it out, or do they learn to get along and prepare for an epic showdown with a common foe?
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Signed Paperbacks available at https://squareup.com/store/author-rissa-blakeley
Fractured Hearts (Shattered Lives, Book 3)
The demons taunted. Feeling imprisoned by the voices in his head, Henry feared he would never be free from their reign. With no regard, he raised the bottle to his lips and relished in the blackness welcoming him like an old friend.
After a child went missing and Henry was unable to aid in the search, he knew it was time to clean up his act. With Gunther’s help and determination, Elaina worked to get Henry back on track to a healthier, more sober lifestyle.
The guilt from the actions of Gunther’s past continued to weigh on him, but through Quinn’s encouragement, he allowed himself to start the healing process. Their steamy relationship tested Quinn’s resolve and their future together. She faced a decision which would close the door to one life, opening another that was full of promise.
More survivors ventured into the small town and were allowed to take up residence at the school. Through love, friendship, and with a sense of community, growth began. But discoveries were made that would bring on devastation.
Faced with a battle of a lifetime, some felt survival seemed more like an option than something for which to fight. More secrets were exposed, lives were lost. But, somehow, a little joy and relief followed.
The question that remained was whose heart would shatter and who would be able to move forward?
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Signed Paperbacks available at https://squareup.com/store/author-rissa-blakeley
Blind Faith (Shattered Lives, Book 4)
There is no true faith until one follows blindly.
Henry and Elaina Daniels continue to build their relationship, but everything comes crashing down around what stability they have established. Even with the birth of their baby and a journey back north, Henry tumbles further into his sickness.
Gunther Erikkson spends so much time trying to save face, he loses himself in the process. He allows his carnal desires and needs to take over, making a mistake that will change his life forever. Deep down, he feels like he is failing his son, hiding his pain until confronted once again.
Will Gunther learn to live again, finding it in himself to move forward and be the man Quinn taught him to be?
Affected by the chaos across the seas, Erik Carlson, the head scientist in the program, gathers a team and develops a plan to bring Henry back to the facility. However, the cure he’s offering comes with great consequences. With only one chance at survival, Henry must decide whether to make the ultimate sacrifice, hoping to kill his demons once and for all.
Will Henry accept Erik’s offer, risking death in order to save himself and his relationship?
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Full Circle (Shattered Lives, Book 5)
With Erik Carlson’s treatment plan in place, he and Luke Richards head back to the East End of London…and where it all started.
The treatment sends Luke into a whirlwind of sickness, bordering on true death. Feeling as if he were losing the battle, anger and hatred rule his every waking moment.
Will Luke survive his treatments and return to his life as Henry Daniels?
After Henry’s death, Gunther Erikkson feels guilt-ridden. Even with Cora standing by his side, he finds it difficult to allow himself to heal.
Will Gunther accept Cora’s love?
Elaina spends her time mourning Henry, neglecting herself, dropping all responsibilities on Anne. A realization hits, sending her into a downward spiral of fear and sadness…until someone from Henry’s past sweeps her off her feet.
Will Elaina allow herself to move forward and fulfill Henry’s final wish?
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Signed Paperbacks available at https://squareup.com/store/author-rissa-blakeley
Shattered Lives Box Set 1
Broken Dreams (Book 1)
Awakened Desires (Book 2)
Fractured Hearts (Book 3)
A Little Taste of Naughty (Shattered Lives Short)
Broken Dreams (Shattered Lives, Book 1)
What if a virus-borne apocalypse was released on your wedding day?
What if you discovered the man of your dreams was nothing but a liar, full of secrets edging on betrayal?
With all the death surrounding you, would you stand strong beside him? Or would you walk away and hope you could survive?
Follow Henry Daniels and Elaina Cooper on a journey of a lifetime. Through their relationship, built on an unsteady foundation, they would discover both wonderful and horrific things, all while hunting down the sworn enemy.
Awakened Desires (Shattered Lives, Book 2)
Would you follow a man who was mysterious and tempting?
Would you allow your walls to crumble, knowing you were facing an ugly death?
What if the monster was in the next room, doing everything possible to get into your heart, mind, and bed?
Everything you believed to be true could change in an instant. Follow Gunther Erikkson on his harrowing journey as he hunts down Henry, finding himself in the process, only to discover his heart wasn’t as icy as he had originally thought.
Fractured Hearts (Shattered Lives, Book 3)
Having to prepare for an epic showdown with a common foe, will Henry and Gunther learn to get along?
Who will live and who will die?
Would you survive?
With more secrets exposed and lives lost, a little joy and relief would somehow be found. Follow Henry and Gunther as they do whatever it takes to save others and through it all, learn to save themselves.
Read the first three books in the Shattered Lives series and discover why readers are saying they are “full of intrigue and emotion”.
A Little Taste of Naughty (A Shattered Lives Short)
Get a small glimpse into Henry and Elaina’s life before the apocalypse. It’s time to fall in love with Henry all over again.
This short story was originally published in the best-selling anthology, Just Desserts, and was added to the set as a bonus. A Little Taste of Naughty is a supplemental short story for Broken Dreams.
Full Circle (Shattered Lives, Book Five) Page 51